The short answer
Families do best on big ocean ships with kids' clubs; river cruises rarely suit young children. Solo travelers often pay a 'single supplement' that can approach double the per-person fare, so look for solo cabins or waived supplements. Most first-timer problems come from tight flights, underestimating extras and overpacking port days.
Traveling with kids
- Mass-market lines (Royal Caribbean, MSC, Norwegian, Costa) have kids' clubs and family cabins.
- Viking Ocean is adults-only (18+), and most river lines have few or no kids' activities; a few run family sailings in summer.
- Venice's access fee does not apply to children under 14. ETIAS fee will not apply to under-18s.
Solo travelers
- Fares are priced for two per cabin; a solo traveler often pays a single supplement.
- Some ships have solo cabins, and lines sometimes waive or reduce supplements as a promotion.
- Small ships and river cruises make it easier to meet others at shared tables.
Top first-timer mistakes and fixes
- Flying in on boarding day. Fix: arrive 1-2 days early.
- Booking an early flight home on the last day. Fix: book afternoon flights or stay one more night.
- Comparing fares, not total costs. Fix: add tips, drinks, tours, wifi and local fees before comparing.
- Missing the final payment date. Fix: calendar the date; know the penalty schedule.
- Skipping travel insurance. Fix: buy after your deposit, with medical and evacuation.
- Choosing July-August in the Med without planning for heat. Fix: go in May-June or Sep-Oct, or book morning tours.
- Not knowing 'Rome' means Civitavecchia and 'Florence' means Livorno. Fix: check how far each port is from the city.
- Going ashore on your own in a far-off city with a tight schedule. Fix: book a ship tour or a guide with a return guarantee.
- Forgetting ship's time. Fix: set your watch to ship time each morning.
- Not carrying the port agent's number. Fix: photograph the daily program.
- Bringing only new shoes. Fix: pack two broken-in pairs for cobblestones.
- Ignoring local fees and rules. Fix: book Venice QR codes ahead; expect Greek port fees on your bill.
- Assuming 'all-inclusive' means everything. Fix: get the line's inclusion list for your market and sailing.
- Assuming a river ship is wheelchair-easy. Fix: ask about elevators, rafting and gangways.
- Overplanning every port. Fix: leave some free time and enjoy sea days and scenic cruising.
Your checklist
Sources & what we could not confirm · 3 sources · checked 2026-11
- The Local Italy: Calendar: Venice access fee days in 2026
- European Commission: ETIAS will cost EUR 20 (Jul 17, 2025)
- Viking: Viking Inclusive Value (UK site)
Still being confirmed
- Viking Ocean's 18+ age rule was not verified on Viking's site this round.
- Single supplement size ('can approach double') is common industry practice, not verified for specific lines.
- Which river lines run family sailings was not verified.